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Everything you Need to Know About Eloping in Maine

Deciding to elope in Maine isn’t a decision that should be made quickly. If two individuals who love one another do plan to make their union legally official in The Pine Tree State, certain wedding information—relating to procedures, laws, regulations, requirements, and more—is sure to come in handy, It can also determine whether or not an elopement is successful. To help couples experience the most stress-free and romantic possible eloping experience in Maine, here’s all the required information.

Maine marriage licenses are produced at the local level

Maine’s marriage license, or the certification required to get married or elope in the state of Maine, is issued at the local level. This means that anyone interested in eloping in the state must apply for a marriage license in a town or city’s designated certification building. This is usually a town hall or other administrative facility.

Two residents of Maine who plan to elope should apply for a marriage license in one (not both) of their towns or cities of residence. If one eloper resides in a different state than Maine, he or she should apply for a marriage license in his or her partner’s Maine city of residence. Finally, two individuals from out-of-state who plan to elope in Maine can apply for a license in any town or city’s designated facility.

Marriage licenses issued in Maine are valid for 90 days. The couple simply conducts their elopement with a person licensed to oversee it within the specified timeframe. This person then fills out the license and returns it to the facility that issued it. After it’s processed, the described marriage becomes legal. Importantly, both partnerswill need to present a valid driver’s license.

A licensed officiant is required to elope in Maine

A licensed officiant is required for couples who wish to elope in Maine. In other words, one of the following professionals must record the information required by a marriage license, and in the process, make a union official in Maine: An ordained minister, a bar-admitted Maine lawyer, a judge, a licensed Maine preacher, and/or a Maine notary. Notaries and Justices of the Peace who reside in states besides Maine cannotauthorize an elopement.

Where to elope

While it may be tempting to just have a quick courthouse wedding, there are several beautiful venues in Maine that can make your elopement more special. Neagen Seaside Inn is a charming Boothbay Harbor inn that offers Maine elopement packages. Their packages include those for just the bride and groom or small wedding parties. You’ll love staying in their charming rooms overlooking the harbor on your wedding night that’s also included in some of the packages.

These tips are sure to help couples enjoy fast, easy, and straightforward eloping experiences in Maine.